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DIY: Easier way to change headlight bulbs

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245K views 217 replies 159 participants last post by  backyardmods  
#1 · (Edited)
DOSCLAIMER: I WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONISBILITY FOR U FACKING UP UR CAR, THIS DIY IS WHAT I WAS TAUGHT AS A TRAINED TECH AT HONDA, DONT DO THE DIY IF U DONT FEEL COMFORTABLE ENOUGH WITH UR LACK OF TECH SKILLS TO DO IT RIGHT



TOOLS AND PARTS LIST
1. Flat head screw driver
2. replacement bulbs
3. beer
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STEP 1
if replacing the drivers side bulb, turn the wheel to the right
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STEP 2
take the flat head and remove the two pop clips that hold in the wheel lining
front two only
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STEP 3
pull back the wheel well lining as illustrated in the pic below
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now if u look in the wheel well u can see the bulb and have a clear path to stick ur hand in and pull it out
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STEP 4
reach in and unplug the bulb, may be hard, but easier to unplug it first.
then turn the bulb counter clock wise bout 1/3 turn, till u feel it give
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STEP 5
pull out the bad bulb and insert a new bulb, then plug the bulb back in and replace the wheel well lining back to normal, re insert the pop clips...follow this same process for the passanger side headlight.
 
#182 ·
at the dealer we would normally have the car in the air, and just turn the wheel to give room, and slide on in.

b00sted_Kouki said:
Awesome write up man, thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...
yup yup

TwiztedClown said:
I was just looking at my headlights today and thinking to myself "wow this is gonna be a *****, i might have to take the whole assembly out" but thank god i saw this DIY lol. Thanks a lot for the write up man!
Click to expand...
yea, I was the same way, then I started at the dealer and was like oh **** that is easy

42designs said:
I have a 2005 Civic Sedan DX - The housing for the lights (low and high beams) have 3 screws that sort of hold the bulbs in. If you can loosen these screws, the bulbs come out pretty easily.
I only have changed the driver's side so far, but checked both the high and low beams on that side. For the high beams I used a palm ratchet tool (like this: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Rg-7b3CeL.jpg) to loosen the screws. The washer reservoir neck leaves barely any space, and not even enough for the palm ratchet. What I found to work was actually a long regular screwdriver. I was able to position it to get just enough angle and torque to turn each screw, even the one that is low and closest to the side of the car (kinda had to work that one under and around some stuff)

I checked going through the tire area, and there's actually only access to the blinker bulbs...there seemed to be something completely blocking access beyond that.
Click to expand...
you do not need to loosen any of the screws, and highly do not recommend doing it due to tight spaces. doing such just adds un needed time, and work to the process

08NHBciv said:
This is Very helpful, thanks. And definitely need a tall boy or long neck for the cold ones! :D
Click to expand...
that is anytime :corona:
 
4
#179 ·
I have a 2005 Civic Sedan DX - The housing for the lights (low and high beams) have 3 screws that sort of hold the bulbs in. If you can loosen these screws, the bulbs come out pretty easily.
I only have changed the driver's side so far, but checked both the high and low beams on that side. For the high beams I used a palm ratchet tool (like this: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Rg-7b3CeL.jpg) to loosen the screws. The washer reservoir neck leaves barely any space, and not even enough for the palm ratchet. What I found to work was actually a long regular screwdriver. I was able to position it to get just enough angle and torque to turn each screw, even the one that is low and closest to the side of the car (kinda had to work that one under and around some stuff)

I checked going through the tire area, and there's actually only access to the blinker bulbs...there seemed to be something completely blocking access beyond that.
 
W
#194 ·
midnitesi, great post! But I ran into a couple of small problems:
1. The pop clip (I only removed one) would not release, the tabs that keep it in the metal of the bodywork broke off. This ain't a bid deal as the plastic piece fits tightly into place regardless of the clip. 2. The bulb came out of the metal hole easily with the counter-clockwise turn....3. But removing the bulb from the socket was a *****! There's a plastic latching clip that secures the bulb within the socket. Normally these are easy to deal with, but in the tight space, it was really hard to release it. You may need a flathead screwdriver to pull up on the white "release" clip. 4. Lastly, this is a halogen bulb and they get VERY hot. When they get hot, and get the smallest bit of grease on them, like from a common fingertip, they tend to fracture or pop after they're in service for a bit. I wear rubber gloves when messing with halogen lamps. Even so, the tight space almost insures that you'll get some shmutz on the bulb.

I LOVE my Honda'S! But, they could have at least provided an extra two or three inches of wire in the harness to make this a whole lot easier procedure.
 
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